What is Functional Vision?
Vision encompasses so much more than being able to read the 20/20 line on the eye chart. Functional Vision is how your entire visual system- the eyes, the brain, the visual pathways- work together to help you interact with your environment. Some patients may show signs of other vision problems even though they have 20/20 eyesight. The only way to ensure that all essential visual skills are working appropriately is by having a Functional Vision Evaluation.
Dr. Kristen Vincent of Sussex Eye Center provides a unique eye and vision examination, one that includes a comprehensive assessment of visual information processing, binocular function, and other visual skills. In adults and children, a Functional Vision Evaluation is indicated whenever signs or symptoms of vision problems are exhibited.
Here are some examples of common signs and behaviors, which may indicate visual dysfunctions or visual processing problems in children:
- Headaches from near work
- Double vision or complains of words moving on the page when reading
- Blurred vision when reading
- Burning, itchy, watery eyes
- Rubs eyes a lot
- Skips/repeats lines when reading
- Head tilt/closes one eye/blinking when reading
- Excessive head movement when reading
- Difficulty copying from the board
- Avoids near work/reading
- Omits small words when reading
- Misaligns digits/columns of numbers
- Poor reading comprehension
- Holds reading material too close
- Trouble keeping attention on reading
- Difficulty completing assignments on time
- Clumsy, knocks things over
- Difficulty identifying their own right from left
- Persistent reversal of letters and numbers
- Poor spelling
- An eye that turns in or out
- Fatigue with reading
- Crooked or poorly spaced writing
Do any of these symptoms sound familiar? If so, Sussex Eye Center is here to help. With back-to-school checklists quickly approaching, we want our students prepared for success. Pencils? Check. Notebooks? Check. Functional Vision Evaluation? Summer may be ending, but there’s a whole year of learning and fun ahead. Schedule an appointment with us today!
